Method of treating hair or skin with a personal care composition in a foam form

ABSTRACT

A method of treating hair or skin with a creamy foam. The method comprises dispensing a personal care composition from a mechanical foam dispenser as a dosage of foam, applying the dosage of foam to hair or skin, and rinsing the dosage of foam from hair or skin. The personal hair composition contains a surfactant system that is substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants. The personal hair composition has a viscosity of less than 60 cP and a lather volume greater than 77 cm3.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to personal care compositions. More particularly a hair care composition that is substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants and has a low liquid phase viscosity and exhibits acceptable foam quality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some consumers desire a personal care composition in a foam form. Given the low density of the foam, a high concentration of surfactant may be required to deliver enough surfactant to deliver proper cleaning and lather during use. However, concentrated liquid cleaning compositions, which can contain a relatively high level of surfactant, often exhibit increased viscosity, which makes it prohibitive to deliver with a mechanical foam dispenser, like a pump foam dispenser.

Furthermore, personal care compositions, such as shampoos, typically employ sulfate-based surfactant systems because of their effectiveness in generating high lather volume and good lather stability and cleaning. However, some consumers believe that sulfate-based surfactants, like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, can be less gentle to the hair and skin, especially colored hair, as compared to compositions that are substantially free of sulfate-based surfactant systems.

Therefore, some consumers may prefer a personal care composition that is substantially free of sulfate-based surfactant systems. However, it can be difficult to formulate these compositions in traditional liquid personal care compositions, including shampoos, because it is difficult to formulate a composition that has acceptable lather volume, lather stability, clarity, and cleansing. Based on this, the use of sulfate-free surfactants in personal care compositions typically results in compositions with more surfactant to achieve similar effectiveness as the sulfate-based surfactants.

The problems with formulating with sulfate-free surfactants can be exacerbated when formulating a compact formula that can be delivered with a typical pump foam dispenser. The high surfactant levels can lead to higher viscosity compositions that cannot be delivered through a typical pump foam dispenser and if the composition is modified to lower the viscosity, it may not have enough lather to clean properly.

Therefore, there is a need for a personal care composition that is substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants with low liquid phase viscosity and that exhibits sufficient lather and acceptable foam quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of treating hair or skin with a creamy foam, the method comprising: (a) dispensing a personal care composition from a mechanical foam dispenser as a dosage of foam; (b) applying the dosage of foam to hair or skin; (c) rinsing the dosage of foam from hair or skin; wherein the personal care composition comprises a viscosity of less than 60 cP; wherein the personal care composition comprises a lather volume greater than 77 cm³; wherein the personal care composition comprises from about 10% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, a surfactant system wherein the surfactant system comprises: (i) from about 10% to about 30%, by weight of the composition, of an acyl glutamate; (ii) from about 0.5% to about 7%, by weight of the composition, of a zwitterionic co-surfactant; wherein the surfactant system is substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the invention can be more readily understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a digital photograph of an example shampoo composition where the foam is a high-quality creamy foam without visible larger bubbles (i.e. bubbles that are greater than about 1 mm diameter);

FIG. 2 is a digital photograph of an example shampoo composition where the foam is a high-quality creamy foam without visible larger bubbles;

FIG. 3 is a digital photograph of an example shampoo composition where the foam is a low-quality foam with many visible large bubbles;

FIG. 4 is a digital photograph of an example shampoo composition where the foam is a poor-quality foam that has mostly large visible bubbles, most bubbles are between about 1-10 mm in diameter;

FIG. 5 is a digital photograph of an example shampoo composition that is not a foam, instead it is a liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description.

As used herein, the articles including “a” and “an” when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

As used herein, the term “fluid” includes liquids, gels, emulsions, or suspensions.

As used herein, “mixtures” is meant to include a simple combination of materials and any compounds that may result from their combination.

As used herein, “molecular weight” or “M.Wt.” refers to the weight average molecular weight unless otherwise stated. Molecular weight is measured using industry standard method, gel permeation chromatography (“GPC”).

As used herein, “personal care composition” includes hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, conditioning shampoos, hair colorants, as well as shower gels, liquid hand cleansers, facial cleansers, laundry detergent, dish detergent, and other surfactant-based liquid compositions.

As used herein, “substantially free” means less than 3%, alternatively less than 2%, alternatively less than 1%, alternatively less than 0.5%, alternatively less than 0.25%, alternatively less than 0.1%, alternatively less than 0.05%, alternatively less than 0.01%, alternatively less than 0.001%, and/or alternatively free of. As used herein, “free of” means 0%.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including,” are meant to be non-limiting and are understood to mean “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising,” respectively.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials.

Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Where amount ranges are given, these are to be understood as being the total amount of said ingredient in the composition, or where more than one species fall within the scope of the ingredient definition, the total amount of all ingredients fitting that definition, in the composition. For example, if the composition comprises from 1% to 5% fatty alcohol, then a composition comprising 2% stearyl alcohol and 1% cetyl alcohol and no other fatty alcohol, would fall within this scope.

The amount of each particular ingredient or mixtures thereof described hereinafter can account for up to 100% (or 100%) of the total amount of the ingredient(s) in the personal care composition.

Personal Care Composition

As will be described herein, compact foamed personal care compositions are disclosed that are substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants and have a low liquid phase viscosity and exhibits sufficient lather and acceptable foam quality. The viscosity is sufficiently low that it can be delivered through a mechanical pump foamer. The compact foamed personal care compositions described herein can have a creamy foam without visible larger bubbles.

The personal care compositions can have a lather volume from about 75 cm³ to about 200 cm³, from about 77 cm³ to about 195 cm³, from about 80 cm³ to about 190 cm³, from about 85 cm³ to about 185 cm³, from about 90 cm³ to about 183 cm³, from about 95 cm³ to about 180 cm³, and/or from about 98 cm³ to about 177 cm³. The personal care compositions can have a lather volume greater than 77 cm³, greater than 80 cm³, greater than 85 cm³, greater than 88 cm³, greater than 90 cm³, greater than 92 cm³, greater than 95 cm³, greater than 97 cm³, and/or greater than 100 cm³, as determined by the Lather Volume Method, described hereafter.

The personal care compositions can have a viscosity from about 1 cP to about 60 cP, from about 2 cP to about 55 cP, from about 3 cP to about 50 cP, from about 4 cP to about 45 cP, from about 5 cP to about 40 cP, and/or from about 6 cP to about 30 cP. The personal care compositions can have a viscosity less than 60 cP, less than 57 cP, less than 55 cP, less than 52 cP, less than 50 cP, less than 45 cP, less than 40 cP, less than 35 cP, less than 30 cP, and/or less than 29 cP, constant shear rate of 2000 s⁻¹ and at temperature of 26.5° C., as determined by the Cone/Plate Viscosity Measurement, described hereafter.

The personal care compositions can be dispensed from the mechanical dispenser as a dosage of foam. The dosage of foam can also have a bubble size distribution comprising an R₃₂ of from about 5 μm to about 100 μm, alternatively from about 10 μm to about 60 μm, alternatively from about 20 μm to about 50 μm; and alternatively from about 25 μm to about 40 μm. The dosage of foam can also have a bubble size distribution comprising an R₃₂ of from about 5 μm to about 100 μm, alternatively from about 10 μm to about 80 μm, alternatively from about 20 μm to about 60 μm; and alternatively, from about 30 μm to about 50 μm.

The dosage of foam can have a yield point of from about 5 Pa to about 100 Pa, alternatively from about 20 Pa to about 100 Pa, alternatively from about 25 Pa to about 100 Pa, and alternatively from about 38 Pa to about 100 Pa. The dosage of foam can have a yield point of from about 5 Pa to about 100 Pa, alternatively from about 5 Pa to about 50 Pa, alternatively from about 10 Pa to about 40 Pa, and alternatively from about 15 Pa to about 40 Pa.

The compositions can be substantially free of a viscosity reducing agent or hydrotrope. Non-limiting examples of viscosity reducing agents can include propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, alcohols, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

The compositions can be substantially free of a thickener. Non-limiting examples of thickeners can include acrylate polymers and co-polymer such as Carbopol® SF-1, xanthan gum, and combinations thereof.

The compositions can be phase stable. The compositions can be a single phase.

The personal care compositions can have a pH from about 2 to about 10, from about 4 to about 8, from about from about 5 to about 7, and/or about 6.

Surfactant

The foamed personal care compositions described herein can include one or more surfactants in the surfactant system and the one or more surfactants can be substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants. As can be appreciated, surfactants provide a cleaning benefit to soiled articles such as hair, skin, and hair follicles by facilitating the removal of oil and other soils. Surfactants generally facilitate such cleaning due to their amphiphilic nature which allows for the surfactants to break up, and form micelles around, oil and other soils which can then be rinsed out, thereby removing them from the soiled article. Suitable surfactants for a personal care composition can include anionic moieties to allow for the formation of a coacervate with a cationic polymer. The surfactant can be selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

Personal care compositions personal care compositions typically employ sulfate-based surfactant systems (such as, but not limited to, sodium lauryl sulfate) because of their effectiveness in lather production, stability, clarity and cleansing. The foamed personal care compositions described herein can be substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants.

The concentration of the surfactant in the composition should be sufficient to provide the desired cleaning and lather performance. The foamed personal care composition can comprise a total surfactant level of from about 10% to about 50%, by weight, from about 15% to about 45%, by weight, from about 18% to about 40%, by weight, from about 19% to about 38%, by weight, from about 20% to about 35%, from about 20% to about 29%, and/or from about 21% to about 25%. The foamed personal care composition can comprise a total surfactant level of from about 21% to about 30%.

Suitable surfactants that are substantially free of sulfates can include isethionates, sarcosinates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfoacetates, glucosides, acyl glycinates, glutamates including acyl glutamates, acyl alaninates, glucose carboxylates, amphoacetates, taurates, other acyl aminoacids, betaines, sultaines, and/or phosphate esters. Suitable surfactants that are substantially free of sulfates can contain carboxylic acids.

The foamed personal care composition can contain an anionic surfactant. The composition can comprise a total anionic surfactant level from about 5% to about 40%, by weight, from about 8% to about 35%, by weight, from about 10% to about 35%, by weight, from about 10% to about 30%, by weight, from about 13% to about 30%, by weight, from about 15% to about 28%, by weight, from about 16% to about 30%, from about 18% to about 28%, and/or from about 20% to about 25%. The composition can comprise a total anionic surfactant level from about from about 10% to about 28%, by weight, from about 10% to about 25%, and/or from about 15% to about 25%.

The surfactant system can contain from about 50% to about 99% anionic surfactant, by weight, from about 75% to about 99% anionic surfactant, by weight of the surfactant system, and/or from about 80% to about 95%, and/or from about 87% to about 93%. The surfactant system can contain from about 60% to about 95% anionic surfactant, by weight of the surfactant system, and/or from about 70% to about 93%.

The composition can contain a primary surfactant that can be an anionic surfactant and the anionic surfactant can be a glutamate, for instance an acyl glutamate. The composition can comprise an acyl glutamate level from about 5% to about 35%, by weight, from about 5% to about 33%, by weight, 8% to about 32%, by weight, from about 10% to about 30%, by weight, from about 10% to about 25%, by weight, and/or from about 15% to about 20%.

Non-limiting examples of acyl glutamates can be selected from the group consisting of sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, ammonium cocoyl glutamate, diammonium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, disodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, disodium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, dipotassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, dipotassium lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, dipotassium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, sodium capryloyl glutamate, disodium capryloyl glutamate, potassium capryloyl glutamate, dipotassium capryloyl glutamate, sodium undecylenoyl glutamate, disodium undecylenoyl glutamate, potassium undecylenoyl glutamate, dipotassium undecylenoyl glutamate, disodium hydrogenated tallow glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, disodium stearoyl glutamate, potassium stearoyl glutamate, dipotassium stearoyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, disodium myristoyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, dipotassium myristoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl/hydrogenated tallow glutamate, sodium cocoyl/palmoyl/sunfloweroyl glutamate, sodium hydrogenated tallowoyl Glutamate, sodium olivoyl glutamate, disodium olivoyl glutamate, sodium palmoyl glutamate, disodium palmoyl Glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, TEA-hydrogenated tallowoyl glutamate, TEA-lauroyl glutamate, and mixtures thereof.

The composition can contain a surfactant system with at least a primary surfactant and an anionic co-surfactant. The composition can contain one or more co-surfactants selected from the group consisting of an anionic co-surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, and combinations thereof. The composition can contain a primary surfactant that can be an acyl glutamate and the co-surfactant can be an isethionate or a sulfosuccinate.

The composition can contain an anionic co-surfactant. The anionic co-surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of isethionates, sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonates, sulfoacetates, glucosides, acyl glycinates, acyl alaninates, glucose carboxylates, amphoacetates, taurates, and mixture thereof. The composition can comprise an anionic co-surfactant level from about 0% to about 15%, by weight, from about 0.5% to about 15%, by weight, from about 1% to about 15%, by weight, and/or from about 1% to about 10%, by weight The composition can comprise an anionic co-surfactant level from about 0% to about 10%, by weight, from about 0.5% to about 7%, by weight, and/or from about 1% to about 5%, by weight. The composition can comprise an anionic co-surfactant level from about 0% to about 5%, by weight.

Suitable isethionate surfactants can include the reaction product of fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Suitable fatty acids for isethionate surfactants can be derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil including amides of methyl tauride. Non-limiting examples of isethionates can be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium hydrogenated cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl isethionate, sodium oleyl methyl isethionate, sodium palm kerneloyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl methyl isethionate, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of sarcosinates can be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, TEA-cocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, dimer dilinoleyl bis-lauroylglutamate/lauroylsarcosinate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate lauroyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, TEA-cocoyl sarcosinate, TEA-lauroyl sarcosinate, TEA-oleoyl sarcosinate, TEA-palm kernel sarcosinate, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of sulfosuccinate surfactants can include disodium N-octadecyl sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, diammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, tetrasodium N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-N-octadecyl sulfosuccinnate, diamyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, dihexyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, dioctyl esters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of sulfonates can include alpha olefin sulfonates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, sodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate and combination thereof.

Non-limiting examples of sulfoacetates can include sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, ammonium lauryl sulfoacetate and combination thereof.

Non-limiting example of acyl glycinates can include sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate and combination thereof.

Non-limiting example of acyl alaninates can include sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium lauroyl alaninate, sodium N-dodecanoyl-1-alaninate and combination thereof.

Non-limiting example of glucose carboxylates can include sodium lauryl glucoside carboxylate, sodium cocoyl glucoside carboxylate and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting example of alkyl ether carboxylate can include sodium laureth-4 carboxylate, laureth-5 carboxylate, laureth-13 carboxylate, sodium C12-13 pareth-8 carboxylate, sodium C12-15 pareth-8 carboxylate and combination thereof.

Non-limiting example of alkylamphoacetates can include sodium cocoyl amphoacetate, sodium lauroyl amphoacetate and combination thereof.

Non-limiting example of acyl taurates can include sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate and combination thereof.

The surfactant system may further comprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants and the zwitterionic surfactant can be a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of: lauryl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coco-betaine, coco-hydroxysultaine, coco-sultaine, lauryl betaine, lauryl sultaine, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of betaine zwitterionic surfactants can include coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), cocobetaine, lauryl amidopropyl betaine (LAPB), oleyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Examples of sulfobetaines can include coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine and mixtures thereof.

The zwitterionic surfactant can comprise or consist of cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), lauramidopropyl betaine (LAPB), and combinations thereof.

The foamed personal care composition can comprise a zwitterionic surfactant level from about 0% to about 7%, by weight, from about 0.25% to about 5%, by weight, from about 0.5% to about 4%, by weight, and/or from about 1% to about 4%, by weight. The foamed personal care composition can comprise a zwitterionic level from less than 10%, by weight, less than 9%, by weight, less than 8%, by weight, less than 7%, by weight, less than 6%, by weight, less than 5%, by weight, and/or less than 4%, by weight. The surfactant system can contain from about 4% to about 25% zwitterionic surfactant, by weight of the surfactant system, and/or from about 5% to about 20%, and/or from about 7% to about 15%.

The surfactant system can have a weight ratio of anionic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant from about 3:1 to about 25:1, from about 4:1 to about 20:1, from about 6:1 to about 15:1, and/or from about 7:1 to about 12:1. The surfactant system can have a weight ratio of anionic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant greater than 4:1, greater than 5:1, greater than 6:1, greater than 7:1, and/or greater than 8:1. The surfactant system can have a weight ratio of primary surfactant to the one or more co-surfactants of about 1:1 to about 7:1, from about 6:5 to about 6:1, and/or from about 3:2 to about 3:1.

The surfactant system may further comprise one or more non-ionic surfactants and the non-ionic surfactant can be selected from the group consisting alkyl polyglucoside, alkyl glycoside, acyl glucamide and mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of alkyl glucosides can include decyl glucoside, cocoyl glucoside, lauroyl glucoside and combination thereof.

Liquid Carrier

Inclusion of an appropriate quantity of a liquid carrier can facilitate the formation of a personal care composition having an appropriate liquid viscosity and rheology. A personal care composition can include, by weight of the composition, about 50% to about 95%, of a liquid carrier, about 60% to about 85%, about 65% to about 80%, about 68% to about 78%, and/or about 70% to about 77%.

A liquid carrier can be water, or can be a miscible mixture of water and organic solvent. Alternatively, a liquid carrier can be water with minimal or no significant concentrations of organic solvent, except as otherwise incidentally incorporated into the composition as minor ingredients of other essential or optional components. Suitable organic solvents can include water solutions of lower alkyl alcohols and polyhydric alcohols. Useful lower alkyl alcohols include monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbons, such as ethanol and isopropanol. Exemplary polyhydric alcohols include propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycerin, and propane diol.

Optional Ingredients

As can be appreciated, personal care compositions described herein can include a variety of optional components to tailor the properties and characteristics of the composition. As can be appreciated, suitable optional components are well known and can generally include any components which are physically and chemically compatible with the essential components of the personal care compositions described herein. Optional components should not otherwise unduly impair product stability, aesthetics, or performance. Individual concentrations of optional components can generally range from about 0.001% to about 10%, by weight of a personal care composition. Optional components can be further limited to components which will not impair the clarity of a translucent personal care composition.

Optional components may include, but are not limited to, conditioning agents (including hydrocarbon oils, fatty esters, silicones), cationic polymers, anti-dandruff actives, chelating agents, and natural oils such as sun flower oil or castor oil. Additional suitable optional ingredients include but are not limited to perfumes, perfume microcapsules, colorants, particles, anti-microbials, foam boosters, anti-static agents, propellants, self-foaming agents, pH adjusting agents and buffers, preservatives, pearlescent agents, solvents, diluents, anti-oxidants, vitamins and combinations thereof.

Such optional ingredients should be physically and chemically compatible with the components of the composition, and should not otherwise unduly impair product stability, aesthetics, or performance. The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Tenth Edition (published by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., Washington, D.C.) (2004) (hereinafter “CTFA”), describes a wide variety of nonlimiting materials that can be added to the composition herein.

Silicone Conditioning Agent

A personal care composition can include a silicone conditioning agent. Suitable silicone conditioning agents can include volatile silicone, non-volatile silicone, or combinations thereof. Including a silicone conditioning agent, the agent can be included from about 0.01% to about 10% active silicone material, by weight of the composition, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, and/or from about 0.2% to about 3%. Examples of suitable silicone conditioning agents, and optional suspending agents for the silicone, are described in U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 34,584, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,104,646, and 5,106,609, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Suitable silicone conditioning agents can have a viscosity, as measured at 25° C., from about 20 centistokes (“csk”) to about 2,000,000 csk, from about 1,000 csk to about 1,800,000 csk, from about 50,000 csk to about 1,500,000 csk, and from about 100,000 csk to about 1,500,000 csk.

The dispersed silicone conditioning agent particles can have a volume average particle diameter ranging from about 0.01 micrometer to about 50 micrometer. For small particle application to hair, the volume average particle diameters can range from about 0.01 micrometer to about 4 micrometer, from about 0.01 micrometer to about 2 micrometer, from about 0.01 micrometer to about 0.5 micrometer. For larger particle application to hair, the volume average particle diameters typically range from about 5 micrometer to about 125 micrometer, from about 10 micrometer to about 90 micrometer, from about 15 micrometer to about 70 micrometer, and/or from about 20 micrometer to about 50 micrometer.

Additional material on silicones including sections discussing silicone fluids, gums, and resins, as well as manufacture of silicones, are found in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, vol. 15, 2d ed., pp 204-308, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1989), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Silicone emulsions suitable for the personal care compositions described herein can include emulsions of insoluble polysiloxanes prepared in accordance with the descriptions provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,282 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0276087 each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Suitable insoluble polysiloxanes include polysiloxanes such as alpha, omega hydroxy-terminated polysiloxanes or alpha, omega alkoxy-terminated polysiloxanes having a molecular weight within the range from about 50,000 to about 500,000 g/mol. The insoluble polysiloxane can have an average molecular weight within the range from about 50,000 to about 500,000 g/mol. For example, the insoluble polysiloxane may have an average molecular weight within the range from about 60,000 to about 400,000; from about 75,000 to about 300,000; from about 100,000 to about 200,000; or the average molecular weight may be about 150,000 g/mol. The insoluble polysiloxane can have an average particle size within the range from about 30 nm to about 10 micron. The average particle size may be within the range from about 40 nm to about 5 micron, from about 50 nm to about 1 micron, from about 75 nm to about 500 nm, or about 100 nm, for example.

The average molecular weight of the insoluble polysiloxane, the viscosity of the silicone emulsion, and the size of the particle comprising the insoluble polysiloxane are determined by methods commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as the methods disclosed in Smith, A. L. The Analytical Chemistry of Silicones, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York, 1991. For example, the viscosity of the silicone emulsion can be measured at 30° C. with a Brookfield viscosimeter with spindle 6 at 2.5 rpm. The silicone emulsion can further include an additional emulsifier together with the anionic surfactant.

Other classes of silicones suitable for the personal care compositions described herein can include i) silicone fluids, including silicone oils, which are flowable materials having viscosity less than about 1,000,000 csk as measured at 25° C.; ii) aminosilicones, which contain at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine; iii) cationic silicones, which contain at least one quaternary ammonium functional group; iv) silicone gums; which include materials having viscosity greater or equal to 1,000,000 csk as measured at 25° C.; v) silicone resins, which include highly cross-linked polymeric siloxane systems; vi) high refractive index silicones, having refractive index of at least 1.46, and vii) mixtures thereof.

The silicone conditioning agent can be a silicone emulsion having particles size less than about 10 microns, less than 1 microns and less than 0.1 microns.

Organic Conditioning Materials

The conditioning agent of the personal care compositions described herein can also include at least one organic conditioning material such as oil or wax, either alone or in combination with other conditioning agents, such as the silicones described above. The organic material can be non-polymeric, oligomeric or polymeric. The organic material can be in the form of an oil or wax and can be added in the personal care formulation neat or in a pre-emulsified form. Suitable examples of organic conditioning materials can include: i) hydrocarbon oils; ii) polyolefins, iii) fatty esters, iv) fluorinated conditioning compounds, v) fatty alcohols, vi) alkyl glucosides and alkyl glucoside derivatives; vii) quaternary ammonium compounds; viii) polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols having a molecular weight of up to about 2,000,000 including those with CTFA names PEG-200, PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, PEG-2M, PEG-7M, PEG-14M, PEG-45M and mixtures thereof.

Cationic Polymer

A personal care composition can include a cationic polymer to allow formation of a coacervated, particularly a coacervated during use. As can be appreciated, the cationic charge of a cationic polymer can interact with an anionic charge of a surfactant to form the coacervate. Suitable cationic polymers can include: a cationic guar polymer, a cationic non-guar galactomannan polymer, a cationic starch polymer, a cationic copolymer of acrylamide monomers and cationic monomers, a synthetic, non-crosslinked, cationic polymer, which may or may not form lyotropic liquid crystals upon combination with the detersive surfactant, and a cationic cellulose polymer.

A cationic polymer can be included by weight of the personal care composition at about 0.01% to about 2%, about 0.05% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 0.8%, and/or from about 0.1% to about 0.5%. Cationic polymers can have cationic charge densities of about 0.9 meq/g or more, about 1.2 meq/g or more, and about 1.5 meq/g or more. However, cationic charge density can also be about 7 meq/g or less and about 5 meq/g or less. The charge densities can be measured at the pH of intended use of the personal care composition. (e.g., at about pH 3 to about pH 9; or about pH 4 to about pH 8). The average molecular weight of cationic polymers can generally be between about 1,000 and 2 million, between about 5,000 and about 1 million, and between about 10,000 and about 0.5 million. Low molecular weight cationic polymers can be preferred. Low molecular weight cationic polymers can have greater translucency in the liquid carrier of a personal care composition. Suitable cationic polymers can include Polyquaternium-6 with a charge density of about 6.2 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 223,000 g/mole available from Clariant, Polyquaternium-76 with a charge density of about 1.6 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 1.1 million g/mole.

Cationic Guar Polymer

The cationic polymer can be a cationic guar polymer, which is a cationically substituted galactomannan (guar) gum derivative. Suitable guar gums for guar gum derivatives can be obtained as a naturally occurring material from the seeds of the guar plant. As can be appreciated, the guar molecule is a straight chain mannan which is branched at regular intervals with single membered galactose units on alternative mannose units. The mannose units are linked to each other by means of β(1-4) glycosidic linkages. The galactose branching arises by way of an α(1-6) linkage. Cationic derivatives of the guar gums can be obtained through reactions between the hydroxyl groups of the polygalactomannan and reactive quaternary ammonium compounds. The degree of substitution of the cationic groups onto the guar structure can be sufficient to provide the requisite cationic charge density described above.

A cationic guar polymer can have a weight average molecular weight (“M.Wt.”) of less than about 1 million g/mol, and can have a charge density from about 0.05 meq/g to about 2.5 meq/g. Cationic guar suitable can have a weight average molecular weight (“M.Wt.”) of less than about 0.5 million g/mol.

A personal care composition can include from about 0.01% to less than about 0.7%, by weight of the personal care composition of a cationic guar polymer, from about 0.05% to about 0.6%, from about 0.1% to about 0.50%, by weight, and/or from about 0.1% to about 0.4%, by weight.

The cationic guar polymer can be formed from quaternary ammonium compounds which conform to general Formula II:

wherein where R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are methyl or ethyl groups; and R⁶ is either an epoxyalkyl group of the general Formula III:

or R⁶ is a halohydrin group of the general Formula IV:

wherein R⁷ is a C₁ to C₃ alkylene; X is chlorine or bromine, and Z is an anion such as Cl—, Br—, I— or HSO₄—.

A cationic guar polymer can conform to the general formula V:

wherein R⁸ is guar gum; and wherein R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are as defined above; and wherein Z is a halogen. A cationic guar polymer can conform to Formula VI:

wherein R⁸ is guar gum.

Suitable cationic guar polymers can also include cationic guar gum derivatives, such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Suitable examples of guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chlorides can include the Jaguar® series commercially available from Solvay S.A., Hi-Care™ Series from Rhodia, and N-Hance™ and AquaCat™ from Ashland Inc. Jaguar® Optima has a charge density of about 1.25 meg/g and a M. Wt. of about 500,000 g/moles. Jaguar® C-500 has a charge density of 0.8 meq/g and a M.Wt. of 500,000 g/mole; Hi-Care™ 1000 has a charge density of about 0.7 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 600,000 g/mole; N-Hance™ 3269, N-Hance™ 3270, and N-Hance™ 3270, have a charge density of about 0.7 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 425,000 g/mole; AquaCat™ PF618 and AquaCat™ CG518 have a charge density of about 0.9 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 50,000 g/mole. N-Hance™ BF-13 and N-Hance™ BF-17 are borate (boron) free guar polymers. N-Hance™ BF-13 has a charge density of about 1.1 meq/g and M.Wt. of about 800,000 and N-Hance™ BF-17 has a charge density of about 1.7 meq/g and M.Wt. of about 800,000.

Cationic Non-Guar Galactomannan Polymer

A cationic polymer can be a galactomannan polymer derivative. A suitable galactomannan polymer can have a mannose to galactose ratio of greater than 2:1 on a monomer to monomer basis and can be a cationic galactomannan polymer derivative or an amphoteric galactomannan polymer derivative having a net positive charge. As used herein, the term “cationic galactomannan” refers to a galactomannan polymer to which a cationic group is added. The term “amphoteric galactomannan” refers to a galactomannan polymer to which a cationic group and an anionic group are added such that the polymer has a net positive charge.

Galactomannan polymers can be present in the endosperm of seeds of the Leguminosae family. Galactomannan polymers are made up of a combination of mannose monomers and galactose monomers. The galactomannan molecule is a straight chain mannan branched at regular intervals with single membered galactose units on specific mannose units. The mannose units are linked to each other by means of β (1-4) glycosidic linkages. The galactose branching arises by way of an α(1-6) linkage. The ratio of mannose monomers to galactose monomers varies according to the species of the plant and can be affected by climate. Non-Guar Galactomannan polymer derivatives can have a ratio of mannose to galactose of greater than 2:1 on a monomer to monomer basis. Suitable ratios of mannose to galactose can also be greater than 3:1 or greater than 4:1. Analysis of mannose to galactose ratios is well known in the art and is typically based on the measurement of the galactose content.

The gum for use in preparing the non-guar galactomannan polymer derivatives can be obtained from naturally occurring materials such as seeds or beans from plants. Examples of various non-guar galactomannan polymers include Tara gum (3 parts mannose/1 part galactose), Locust bean or Carob (4 parts mannose/1 part galactose), and Cassia gum (5 parts mannose/1 part galactose).

A non-guar galactomannan polymer derivative can have a M. Wt. from about 1,000 g/mol to about 10,000,000 g/mol, and a M.Wt. from about 5,000 g/mol to about 3,000,000 g/mol.

The personal care compositions described herein can include galactomannan polymer derivatives which have a cationic charge density from about 0.5 meq/g to about 7 meq/g. The galactomannan polymer derivatives can have a cationic charge density from about 1 meq/g to about 5 meq/g. The degree of substitution of the cationic groups onto the galactomannan structure can be sufficient to provide the requisite cationic charge density. A non-limiting example of non-guar galactomannan cationic polymer can be cassia cassia hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride known as ClearHance™ C available from Ashland.

A galactomannan polymer derivative can be a cationic derivative of the non-guar galactomannan polymer, which is obtained by reaction between the hydroxyl groups of the polygalactomannan polymer and reactive quaternary ammonium compounds. Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds for use in forming the cationic galactomannan polymer derivatives include those conforming to the general Formulas II to VI, as defined above.

Cationic non-guar galactomannan polymer derivatives formed from the reagents described above can be represented by the general Formula VII:

wherein R is the gum. The cationic galactomannan derivative can be a gum hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, which can be more specifically represented by the general Formula VIII:

The galactomannan polymer derivative can be an amphoteric galactomannan polymer derivative having a net positive charge, obtained when the cationic galactomannan polymer derivative further comprises an anionic group.

A cationic non-guar galactomannan can have a ratio of mannose to galactose which is greater than about 4:1, a M.Wt. of about 100,000 g/mol to about 500,000 g/mol, a M.Wt. of about 50,000 g/mol to about 400,000 g/mol, and a cationic charge density from about 1 meq/g to about 5 meq/g, and from about 2 meq/g to about 4 meq/g.

Personal care compositions can include at least about 0.05% of a galactomannan polymer derivative by weight of the composition. The personal care compositions can include from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight of the composition, of a galactomannan polymer derivative.

Cationic Copolymer of an Acrylamide Monomer and a Cationic Monomer

A personal care composition can include a cationic copolymer of an acrylamide monomer and a cationic monomer, wherein the copolymer has a charge density of from about 1.0 meq/g to about 3.0 meq/g. The cationic copolymer can be a synthetic cationic copolymer of acrylamide monomers and cationic monomers.

Examples of suitable cationic polymers can include:

(i) an acrylamide monomer of the following Formula IX:

where R⁹ is H or C₁₋₄ alkyl; and R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, CH₂OCH₃, CH₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)₂, and phenyl, or together are C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; and

(ii) a cationic monomer conforming to Formula X:

where k=1, each of v, v′, and v″ is independently an integer of from 1 to 6, w is zero or an integer of from 1 to 10, and X⁻ is an anion.

A cationic monomer can conform to Formula X where k=1, v=3 and w=0, z=1 and X⁻ is Cl⁻ to form the following structure (Formula XI):

As can be appreciated, the above structure can be referred to as diquat.

A cationic monomer can conform to Formula X wherein v and v″ are each 3, v′=1, w=1, y=1 and X⁻ is Cl⁻, to form the following structure of Formula XII:

The structure of Formula XII can be referred to as triquat.

The acrylamide monomer can be either acrylamide or methacrylamide.

The cationic copolymer can be AM:TRIQUAT which is a copolymer of acrylamide and 1,3-Propanediaminium,N-[2-[[[dimethyl[3-[(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]propyl]ammonio]acetyl]amino]ethyl]2-hydroxy-N,N,N′,N′,N′-pentamethyl-, trichloride. AM:TRIQUAT is also known as polyquaternium 76 (PQ76). AM:TRIQUAT can have a charge density of 1.6 meq/g and a M.Wt. of 1.1 million g/mol.

The cationic copolymer can include an acrylamide monomer and a cationic monomer, wherein the cationic monomer is selected from the group consisting of: dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, ditertiobutylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminomethyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide; ethylenimine, vinylamine, 2-vinylpyridine, 4-vinylpyridine; trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate chloride, trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate methyl sulphate, dimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate benzyl chloride, 4-benzoylbenzyl dimethylammonium ethyl acrylate chloride, trimethyl ammonium ethyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, trimethyl ammonium propyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic copolymer can include a cationic monomer selected from the group consisting of: trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate chloride, trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate methyl sulphate, dimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate benzyl chloride, 4-benzoylbenzyl dimethylammonium ethyl acrylate chloride, trimethyl ammonium ethyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, trimethyl ammonium propyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic copolymer can be formed from (1) copolymers of (meth)acrylamide and cationic monomers based on (meth)acrylamide, and/or hydrolysis-stable cationic monomers, (2) terpolymers of (meth)acrylamide, monomers based on cationic (meth)acrylic acid esters, and monomers based on (meth)acrylamide, and/or hydrolysis-stable cationic monomers. Monomers based on cationic (meth)acrylic acid esters can be cationized esters of the (meth)acrylic acid containing a quaternized N atom. Cationized esters of the (meth)acrylic acid containing a quaternized N atom are quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylates with C₁ to C₃ in the alkyl and alkylene groups. The cationized esters of the (meth)acrylic acid containing a quaternized N atom are selected from the group consisting of: ammonium salts of dimethylaminomethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminomethyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate; and diethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate quaternized with methyl chloride. The cationized esters of the (meth)acrylic acid containing a quaternized N atom is dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, which is quaternized with an alkyl halide, or with methyl chloride or benzyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate (ADAME-Quat). The cationic monomer when based on (meth)acrylamides are quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylamides with C₁ to C₃ in the alkyl and alkylene groups, or dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, which is quaternized with an alkyl halide, or methyl chloride or benzyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate.

The cationic monomer based on a (meth)acrylamide can be a quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylamide with C₁ to C₃ in the alkyl and alkylene groups. The cationic monomer based on a (meth)acrylamide can be dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, which is quaternized with an alkyl halide, especially methyl chloride or benzyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate.

The cationic monomer can be a hydrolysis-stable cationic monomer. Hydrolysis-stable cationic monomers can be, in addition to a dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylamide, any monomer that can be regarded as stable to the OECD hydrolysis test. The cationic monomer can be hydrolysis-stable and the hydrolysis-stable cationic monomer can be selected from the group consisting of: diallyldimethylammonium chloride and water-soluble, cationic styrene derivatives.

The cationic copolymer can be a terpolymer of acrylamide, 2-dimethylammoniumethyl (meth)acrylate quaternized with methyl chloride (ADAME-Q) and 3-dimethylammoniumpropyl(meth)acrylamide quaternized with methyl chloride (DIMAPA-Q). The cationic copolymer can be formed from acrylamide and acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride, wherein the acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride has a charge density of from about 1.0 meq/g to about 3.0 meq/g.

The cationic copolymer can have a charge density of from about 1.1 meq/g to about 2.5 meq/g, from about 1.1 meq/g to about 2.3 meq/g, from about 1.2 meq/g to about 2.2 meq/g, from about 1.2 meq/g to about 2.1 meq/g, from about 1.3 meq/g to about 2.0 meq/g, and from about 1.3 meq/g to about 1.9 meq/g.

The cationic copolymer can have a M.Wt. from about 100 thousand g/mol to about 2 million g/mol, from about 300 thousand g/mol to about 1.8 million g/mol, from about 500 thousand g/mol to about 1.6 million g/mol, from about 700 thousand g/mol to about 1.4 million g/mol, and from about 900 thousand g/mol to about 1.2 million g/mol.

The cationic copolymer can be a trimethylammoniopropylmethacrylamide chloride-N-Acrylamide copolymer, which is also known as AM:MAPTAC. AM:MAPTAC can have a charge density of about 1.3 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 1.1 million g/mol. The cationic copolymer is AM:ATPAC. AM:ATPAC can have a charge density of about 1.8 meq/g and a M.Wt. of about 1.1 million g/mol.

Synthetic Polymers

A cationic polymer can be a synthetic polymer that is formed from:

i) one or more cationic monomer units, and optionally

ii) one or more monomer units bearing a negative charge, and/or

iii) a nonionic monomer,

wherein the subsequent charge of the copolymer is positive. The ratio of the three types of monomers is given by “m”, “p” and “q” where “m” is the number of cationic monomers, “p” is the number of monomers bearing a negative charge and “q” is the number of nonionic monomers

The cationic polymers can be water soluble or dispersible, non-crosslinked, and synthetic cationic polymers which have the structure of Formula XIII:

where A, may be one or more of the following cationic moieties:

where @=amido, alkylamido, ester, ether, alkyl or alkylaryl; where Y=C1-C22 alkyl, alkoxy, alkylidene, alkyl or aryloxy; where ψ=C1-C22 alkyl, alkyloxy, alkyl aryl or alkyl arylox; where Z=C1-C22 alkyl, alkyloxy, aryl or aryloxy; where R1=H, C1-C4 linear or branched alkyl; where s=0 or 1,n=0 or ≥1; where T and R₇=C1-C22 alkyl; and where X—=halogen, hydroxide, alkoxide, sulfate or alkylsulfate.

Where the monomer bearing a negative charge is defined by R2′=H, C₁-C₄ linear or branched alkyl and R3 is:

where D=O, N, or S; where Q=NH₂ or O; where u=1-6; where t=0-1; and where J=oxygenated functional group containing the following elements P, S, C.

Where the nonionic monomer is defined by R2″=H, C₁-C₄ linear or branched alkyl, R6=linear or branched alkyl, alkyl aryl, aryl oxy, alkyloxy, alkylaryl oxy and β is defined as

and where G′ and G″ are, independently of one another, O, S or N—H and L=0 or 1.

Suitable monomers can include aminoalkyl (meth)acrylates, (meth)aminoalkyl (meth)acrylamides; monomers comprising at least one secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine function, or a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom, vinylamine or ethylenimine; diallyldialkyl ammonium salts; their mixtures, their salts, and macromonomers deriving from therefrom.

Further examples of suitable cationic monomers can include dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, ditertiobutylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminomethyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide, ethylenimine, vinylamine, 2-vinylpyridine, 4-vinylpyridine, trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate chloride, trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate methyl sulphate, dimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate benzyl chloride, 4-benzoylbenzyl dimethylammonium ethyl acrylate chloride, trimethyl ammonium ethyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, trimethyl ammonium propyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

Suitable cationic monomers can include quaternary monomers of formula —NR₃ ⁺, wherein each R can be identical or different, and can be a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a benzyl group, optionally carrying a hydroxyl group, and including an anion (counter-ion). Examples of suitable anions include halides such as chlorides, bromides, phosphates, citrates, formates, and acetates.

Suitable cationic monomers can also include trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate chloride, trimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate methyl sulphate, dimethylammonium ethyl (meth)acrylate benzyl chloride, 4-benzoylbenzyl dimethylammonium ethyl acrylate chloride, trimethyl ammonium ethyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, trimethyl ammonium propyl (meth)acrylamido chloride, vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride. Additional suitable cationic monomers can include trimethyl ammonium propyl (meth)acrylamido chloride.

Examples of monomers bearing a negative charge include alpha ethylenically unsaturated monomers including a phosphate or phosphonate group, alpha ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, monoalkylesters of alpha ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, monoalkylamides of alpha ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, alpha ethylenically unsaturated compounds comprising a sulphonic acid group, and salts of alpha ethylenically unsaturated compounds comprising a sulphonic acid group.

Suitable monomers with a negative charge can include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl sulphonic acid, salts of vinyl sulfonic acid, vinylbenzene sulphonic acid, salts of vinylbenzene sulphonic acid, alpha-acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid, salts of alpha-acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid, 2-sulphoethyl methacrylate, salts of 2-sulphoethyl methacrylate, acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid (AMPS), salts of acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid, and styrenesulphonate (SS).

Examples of nonionic monomers can include vinyl acetate, amides of alpha ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, esters of an alpha ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids with an hydrogenated or fluorinated alcohol, polyethylene oxide (meth)acrylate (i.e. polyethoxylated (meth)acrylic acid), monoalkylesters of alpha ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, monoalkylamides of alpha ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, vinyl nitriles, vinylamine amides, vinyl alcohol, vinyl pyrolidone, and vinyl aromatic compounds.

Suitable nonionic monomers can also include styrene, acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylonitrile, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, n-propylacrylate, n-butylacrylate, methylmethacrylate, ethylmethacrylate, n-propylmethacrylate, n-butylmethacrylate, 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethyl-hexyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethylacrylate and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate.

The anionic counterion (X⁻) in association with the synthetic cationic polymers can be any known counterion so long as the polymers remain soluble or dispersible in water, in the personal care composition, or in a coacervate phase of the personal care composition, and so long as the counterions are physically and chemically compatible with the essential components of the personal care composition or do not otherwise unduly impair product performance, stability or aesthetics. Non-limiting examples of suitable counterions can include halides (e.g., chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine).

The cationic polymer described herein can also aid in repairing damaged hair, particularly chemically treated hair by providing a surrogate hydrophobic F-layer. The microscopically thin F-layer provides natural weatherproofing, while helping to seal in moisture and prevent further damage. Chemical treatments damage the hair cuticle and strip away its protective F-layer. As the F-layer is stripped away, the hair becomes increasingly hydrophilic. It has been found that when lyotropic liquid crystals are applied to chemically treated hair, the hair becomes more hydrophobic and more virgin-like, in both look and feel. Without being limited to any theory, it is believed that the lyotropic liquid crystal complex creates a hydrophobic layer or film, which coats the hair fibers and protects the hair, much like the natural F-layer protects the hair. The hydrophobic layer can return the hair to a generally virgin-like, healthier state. Lyotropic liquid crystals are formed by combining the synthetic cationic polymers described herein with the aforementioned anionic detersive surfactant component of the personal care composition. The synthetic cationic polymer has a relatively high charge density. It should be noted that some synthetic polymers having a relatively high cationic charge density do not form lyotropic liquid crystals, primarily due to their abnormal linear charge densities. Such synthetic cationic polymers are described in PCT Patent App. No. WO 94/06403 which is incorporated by reference. The synthetic polymers described herein can be formulated in a stable personal care composition that provides improved conditioning performance, with respect to damaged hair.

Cationic synthetic polymers that can form lyotropic liquid crystals have a cationic charge density of from about 2 meq/gm to about 7 meq/gm, and/or from about 3 meq/gm to about 7 meq/gm, and/or from about 4 meq/gm to about 7 meq/gm. The cationic charge density is about 6.2 meq/gm. The polymers also have a M. Wt. of from about 1,000 to about 5,000,000, and/or from about 10,000 to about 2,000,000, and/or from about 100,000 to about 2,000,000.

Cationic synthetic polymers that provide enhanced conditioning and deposition of benefit agents but do not necessarily form lytropic liquid crystals can have a cationic charge density of from about 0.7 meq/gm to about 7 meq/gm, and/or from about 0.8 meq/gm to about 5 meq/gm, and/or from about 1.0 meq/gm to about 3 meq/gm. The polymers also have a M.Wt. of from about 1,000 g/mol to about 5,000,000 g/mol, from about 10,000 g/mol to about 2,000,000 g/mol, and from about 100,000 g/mol to about 2,000,000 g/mol.

Cationic Cellulose Polymer

Suitable cationic polymers can be cellulose polymers. Suitable cellulose polymers can include salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 10 and available from Dwo/Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA) in their Polymer LR, JR, and KG series of polymers. Other suitable types of cationic cellulose can include the polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 24. These materials are available from Dow/Amerchol Corp. under the tradename Polymer LM-200. Other suitable types of cationic cellulose can include the polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide and trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 67. These materials are available from Dow/Amerchol Corp. under the tradename SoftCAT Polymer SL-5, SoftCAT Polymer SL-30, Polymer SL-60, Polymer SL-100, Polymer SK-L, Polymer SK-M, Polymer SK-MH, and Polymer SK-H.

Additional cationic polymers are also described in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 3rd edition, edited by Estrin, Crosley, and Haynes, (The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., Washington, D.C. (1982)), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Techniques for analysis of formation of complex coacervates are known in the art. For example, microscopic analyses of the compositions, at any chosen stage of dilution, can be utilized to identify whether a coacervate phase has formed. Such coacervate phase can be identifiable as an additional emulsified phase in the composition. The use of dyes can aid in distinguishing the coacervate phase from other insoluble phases dispersed in the composition. Additional details about the use of cationic polymers and coacervates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,272,164 which is incorporated by reference.

Anti-Dandruff and Scalp Care Actives

Anti-dandruff agents suitable for use in personal care compositions can include piroctone olamine (commercially available as Octopirox®), pyridinethione salts, azoles (e.g., ketoconazole, econazole, and elubiol), selenium sulfide, particulate sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, and mixtures thereof. The composition can include anti-dandruff agents that are soluble, non-particulate actives such as Piroctone Olamine. Example of scalp care actives can include Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid available from Symrise as SymCalmin.

Chelating Agents

The personal care composition can also comprise a chelant. Suitable chelants include those listed in A E Martell & R M Smith, Critical Stability Constants, Vol. 1, Plenum Press, New York & London (1974) and A E Martell & R D Hancock, Metal Complexes in Aqueous Solution, Plenum Press, New York & London (1996) both incorporated herein by reference. When related to chelants, the term “salts and derivatives thereof” means the salts and derivatives comprising the same functional structure (e.g., same chemical backbone) as the chelant they are referring to and that have similar or better chelating properties. This term include alkali metal, alkaline earth, ammonium, substituted ammonium (i.e. monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium) salts, esters of chelants having an acidic moiety and mixtures thereof, in particular all sodium, potassium or ammonium salts. The term “derivatives” also includes “chelating surfactant” compounds, such as those exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,972, and large molecules comprising one or more chelating groups having the same functional structure as the parent chelants, such as polymeric EDDS (ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid) disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,747,440, 5,284,972 and 5,747,440 are each incorporated by reference herein. Suitable chelants can further include histidine.

Levels of an EDDS chelant or histidine chelant in the personal care compositions can be low. For example, an EDDS chelant or histidine chelant can be included at about 0.01%, by weight. Above about 10% by weight, formulation and/or human safety concerns can arise. The level of an EDDS chelant or histidine chelant can be at least about 0.05%, by weight, at least about 0.1%, by weight, at least about 0.25%, by weight, at least about 0.5%, by weight, at least about 1%, by weight, or at least about 2%, by weight, by weight of the personal care composition.

Product Form

The personal care compositions may be presented in typical hair care formulations. They may be in the form of solutions, dispersion, emulsions, foams, and other delivery mechanisms. The compositions may be a low viscosity or viscous liquid that can be applied to wet hair, then massaged into the hair, and then rinsed out.

The personal care composition in the form of a foam can have a density of from about 0.02 g/cm³ to about 0.2 g/cm³, alternatively from about 0.025 g/cm³ to about 0.15 g/cm³, and alternatively from about 0.05 g/cm³ to about 0.15 g/cm³. The density can be measured Foam Density & Foam Volume Method, described hereafter.

Foam Dispenser

The personal care composition can be stored and dispensed from a mechanical pump foam dispenser that may comprise a reservoir for holding the personal care composition and a foam engine. The reservoir may be made from any suitable material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, alloy, laminate, and combinations thereof. The reservoir may be for one-time use. The reservoir may be removable from the mechanical pump foam dispenser. Alternatively, the reservoir may be integrated with the mechanical pump foam dispenser. There may be two or more reservoirs.

The reservoir may be comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rigid materials, flexible materials, and combinations thereof. The reservoir can be made from plastic.

Suitable foam dispenser available from Albéa can include tabletop models T1, WRT4, WRT6, and handheld models M3, WRM3, WRD4, F2, F3 and G3 with a L value of 7, 9 or 11, wherein L value is the air to liquid ratio.

The personal care composition can be stored and dispensed from a squeeze foam dispenser. An example of squeeze foamer is EZ′R available from Albéa.

Non-limiting examples of suitable pump dispensers include those described in WO 2004/078903, WO 2004/078901, and WO 2005/078063 and may be supplied by Albea (60 Electric Ave., Thomaston, Conn. 06787 USA) or Rieke Packaging Systems (500 West Seventh St., Auburn, Ind. 46706).

The personal care composition and/or the dispenser can be free or substantially free of a propellant, for instance aerosol propellants.

Test Methods

Cone/Plate Viscosity Measurement

The viscosities of the examples are measured by a Cone/Plate Controlled Stress Brookfield Rheometer R/S Plus, by Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Stoughton, Mass. The cone used (Spindle C-75-1) has a diameter of 75 mm and 1° angle. The liquid viscosity is determined using a steady state flow experiment at constant shear rate of 2000 s⁻¹ and at temperature of 26.5° C. The sample size is 2.5 ml and the total measurement reading time is 3 minutes.

Lather Volume Method:

Lather Volume (in cm³) is calculated based upon V=π*r2*h where: V=volume (cm³), m=3.14, r=radius of the vessel, and h=height of the lather. A clear Plexiglas® vessel of 6.1 cm of radius, 19 cm height with a round hole at the bottom to fit a shaft at the bottom is used. A spin disk is attached to a shaft which is inserted down through the hole. A plastic o-ring on the shaft covers and seals the hole of the vessel. The shaft is attached to a rotor underneath. After the above equipment is assembled, a 1.0 gram of product is added to the vessel, then 400 grams of water of 7 gpg (grains per gallon) at 100° F. (37.7° C.) is added followed by 100 microliters of Artificial Human Sebum available from Advanced Testing Lab

Next, start the rotor at spin rate of 1025 rpm for 4 seconds, then stop the rotor and let it rest for 12 seconds. This is repeated for 3 more times. After the fourth cycle, the foam will be separated from the liquid water layer at the bottom and the height of the lather (h, distance between the meniscus of the liquid layer and the top of the lather) is measured with a 0-23 cm standard ruler. For each product, this process is repeated for a total of 4 times by the same operator using the same equipment on the same day. The final height of the lather, h, is then averaged and used for the lather volume calculation.

Foam Density & Foam Volume

Foam density is measured by placing a 100 ml beaker onto a mass balance, tarring the mass of the beaker and then dispensing product from the aerosol container into the 100 ml beaker until the volume of the foam is above the rim of the vessel. The foam is made level with the top of the beaker by scraping a spatula across it within 10 seconds of dispensing the foam above the rim of the vessel. The resulting mass of the 100 ml of foam is then divided by the volume (100) to determine the foam density in units of g/ml.

Foam volume is measured by placing a weigh boat onto a mass balance, tarring the mass of the weigh boat and then dispensing the desired amount of product from the aerosol container. The grams of foam dispensed is determined and then divided by the density of foam as determined from the Foam Density methodology to reach a volume of foam in ml or cm³.

Foam Rheology Method (Yield Point)

Foam shampoo is applied to the AR1000 rheometer for foam oscillation stress sweep. 60 mm smooth acrylic plate is utilized for shear stress measurement. Measurement is made at 25C. The plate head is lowered to 1200 microns and excess foam is removed with a spatula so that drag does not occur during measurement. The measurement gap height is then lowered 1000 microns. Sweep occurs from 0.1 to 400 Pa. Data is analyzed via TA Rheology Advantage Data Analysis software. Yield point is determined at the point at which the oscillatory shear stress begins to deviate from its tangent. The yield point measurements are reported in Pa units.

Kruss Lather Analyzer (Bubble Size)

The commercially available Kruss lather analyzer DFA100, supplied from Kruss, is used to analyze the foam shampoo for the initial Sauter mean radius R₃₂ (bubble size). Shampoo foam is dispensed into the CY4571 column containing a prism. An internal stopper is placed into the column approximately 100 ml from the top of the chamber. The camera height is set to 244 mm and camera position is placed in the 3 slot. Structure foaming is captured at 2 frames per second for 120 seconds. Data analysis is performed on the Kruss Advance 1.5.1.0 software application version.

EXAMPLES

The following are non-limiting examples of the personal care composition described herein. The examples were prepared by conventional formulation and mixing techniques and included adding the ingredients one by one and mixing until homogeneous or dissolved and adding heat as necessary to dissolve particular ingredients. It will be appreciated that other modifications of the present invention within the skill of those in the shampoo formulation art can be undertaken without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. All parts, percentages, and ratios herein are by weight unless otherwise specified. Some components may come from suppliers as dilute solutions. The amount stated reflects the weight percent of the active material, unless otherwise specified.

TABLE 1 Comparative Examples of Shampoo Compositions in Foam Form Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Disodium cocoyl 15 15 25 20 20 25 15 glutamate¹ Sodium cocoyl 5 — 5 5 5 — 5 isethionate² Cocamidopropyl — 10 4.5 — 5 5 10 betaine³ Lauramidopropyl — — — 5 — — — betaine⁴ Arlasilk ™ EFA⁵ — — 0.6 0.6 0.6 — — Polyquaternium-6⁶ — — — — — — 0.2 Versene ™ 220⁷ 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 Natrlquest E30⁸ 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 Sodium benzoate 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Kathon ™⁹ 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 Perfume 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 DL-Panthanol 50L¹⁰ 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 D/DI Panthenyl 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 ether¹¹ Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. pH adjusters Adjust as needed to pH 6.0 pH 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 Liquid phase 4.8 61 201 231 1004 427 730 viscosity, cP Foam quality Creamy foam Mostly visible Not foam, Not foam, Liquid, not Liquid, not Liquid, not without visible large bubbles mostly visible mostly visible foam, see foam, see foam, see larger bubbles, (>1 mm diameter), large bubbles, large bubbles, FIG. 5 for an FIG. 5 for an FIG. 5 for an see FIGS. 1 and see FIG. 3 for see FIG. 4 for see FIG. 4 for example of a example of a example of a 2 for an example an example of a an example of a an example of a shampoo with shampoo with shampoo with of a shampoo shampoo with shampoo with shampoo with this foam this foam this foam with this foam this foam this foam this foam quality quality quality quality quality quality quality Lather volume 77 174 130 151 107 130 141 (cm³)

TABLE 2 Examples of Shampoo Compositions in Foam Form Ex. A Ex. B Ex. C Ex. D Ex. E Disodium cocoyl 11 15 15 15 25 Glutamate¹ Sodiun cocoyl 5 5 5 5 — isethionate² Cocamidopropyl 0 1 3 — 4 betaine³ Lauramidopropyl 4 0 — 3 — betaine⁴ AquaCat ™ — 0.2 — — — CG518¹² AquaCat ™ — — — 0.5 — PF618¹³ Polyquaternium- — — 0.2 — — 6⁶ Versene ™ 220⁷ 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 Natrlquest E30⁸ 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 Sodium benzoate 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Kathon ™⁹ 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 Perfume 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 DL-Panthanol 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 50L¹⁰ D/DI Panthenyl 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 ether¹¹ Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. pH adjuster Adjust as needed to pH 6.0 pH 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 Liquid phase 6 6 7 8 28 viscosity, cP Foam quality Creamy foam without visible larger bubbles, see FIGS. 1 and 2 for an example of a shampoo with this foam quality Lather volume 177 99 103 158 98 (cm³) ¹Disodium cocoyl glutamate, tradename: Eversoft ™ UCS-50SG, 40% active from Sino-Lion ²Sodium cocoyl isethionate, tradename: Jordapon ® CI Prill from BASF ³Cocamidopropyl betaine, Amphosol ® HCA-HP, 30.0% active from Stepan ⁴Lauramidopropyl betaine, Mackam ® DAB, 35.0% active from Solvay ⁵Arlasilk ™ EFA, Linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium Chloride Phosphate, 30% active from Croda ⁶Polyquaternium 6, PolyDADMAC, M.Wt. of 150,000, CD of 6.2, tradename: Mirapol ® 100s, 31.5% active, from Solvay ⁷Versene ™ 220, Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate tetrahydrate from Dow ⁸Natrlquest E30, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, from Innospec. ⁹Kathon ™CG, from Dow ¹⁰DL-Panthanol 50L from DSM Nutritional Products ¹¹D/DI Panthenyl ether from DSM Nutritional Products ¹²AquaCat ™ CG518, 10% active from Ashland ™ ¹³AquaCat ™ PF618, 10% active from Ashland ™

For Table 1 and Table 2 the foam quality was determined as follows. The hair care composition was prepared as described herein. Then, approximately 200 mL of the liquid hair care composition was put into a 250 ml 4003 clear bottle (available from Albéa) and a WRT4 pump foamer with an L7 engine (available from Albéa) was attached to the bottle. Next, the pump foamer was primed a few times, then the pump was actuated 3 times to dispense the hair care composition into an 8.5 cm×8.5 cm (edge to edge) plastic weigh dish. The foam was visually inspected to determine foam quality. A digital photograph was taken and inspected to determine the approximate size of the bubbles and whether the mixture was homogeneous.

Examples A-E could be preferred by consumers over Comparative Examples 1-7 for at least the following reasons. First, Examples A-E have a low enough liquid viscosity that each Example can be dispensed through a mechanical foam dispenser, such as the WRT4 pump foamer (available from Albéa). The liquid phase viscosity of Examples A-E ranges from 6 to 28 cP. Also, when Example A-E are dispensed through a mechanical foam dispenser, each had a creamy foam without visible larger bubbles. A digital photograph of a representative example of a foam with this appearance is in FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, Examples A-E had sufficient lather volume, which ranges from 99 cm³ to 177 cm³.

However, Comparative Examples 1-7 are either too viscous to push through the mechanical foam dispenser or the foam generated is low or poor quality, or not foam at all (i.e. liquid comes out the pump nozzle). The liquid phase viscosity of Comparative Examples 2-4 ranges from 61 to 231 cP. The foam quality, when dispensed through a mechanical foam dispenser, is low quality or poor and is not consumer preferred. Comparative Example 2 has large number of visible large bubbles (>1 mm diameter) and a photograph of a representative example of a foam with this appearance is in FIG. 3. Comparative Examples 3 and 4 have mostly visible large bubbles and a photograph of a representative example of a foam with this appearance is in FIG. 4. Consumers disliked the foam in Comparative Examples 2-4 and rated the foam as poor quality and when consumers do not like the quality of the foam, they tend to dislike the shampoo overall. The viscosity of Comparative Examples 5-7 ranges from 427 to 1004 cps and essentially no foam is generated for these samples using the mechanic foam pump and a representative example of a foam with this appearance is in FIG. 5. For Comparative Example 1, even though it has high quality foam when pumped (with an appearance similar to FIG. 1), it has a low lather volume, and thus may not be consumer preferred because consumers may not feel like this composition cleans the hair well.

Combinations:

-   A. A method of treating hair or skin with a creamy foam, the method     comprising:     -   a. dispensing a personal care composition from a mechanical foam         dispenser as a dosage of foam;     -   b. applying the dosage of foam to hair or skin;     -   c. rinsing the dosage of foam from hair or skin;         -   wherein the personal care composition comprises a viscosity             of less than 60 cP, at constant shear rate of 2000 s⁻¹ and             at temperature of 26.5° C., as determined by the Cone/Plate             Viscosity Measurement, described herein;         -   wherein the personal care composition comprises a lather             volume greater than 77 cm³, as determined by the Lather             Volume Method, described herein;         -   wherein the personal care composition comprises from about             10% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, a surfactant             system wherein the surfactant system comprises:             -   (i) from about 10% to about 30%, by weight of the                 composition, of an acyl glutamate;             -   (ii) from about 0.5% to about 7%, by weight of the                 composition, of a zwitterionic co-surfactant;                 -   wherein the surfactant system is substantially free                     of sulfate-based surfactants. -   B. The method according to Paragraph A, wherein the mechanical foam     dispenser is a pump foam dispenser or a squeeze foam dispenser. -   C. The method according to Paragraphs A-B, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a lather volume from about 77 cm³ to about 195     cm³, preferably from about 80 cm³ to about 190 cm³, more preferably     from about 85 cm³ to about 185 cm³, and even more preferably from     about 90 cm³ to about 183 cm³. -   D. The method according to Paragraphs A-C, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a lather volume from about 95 cm³ to about 180     cm³, and more preferably from about 98 cm³ to about 177 cm³. -   E. The method according to Paragraphs A-D, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a lather volume greater than 80 cm³,     preferably greater than 85 cm³, more preferably greater than 88 cm³,     and more preferably greater than 90 cm³. -   F. The method according to Paragraphs A-E, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a lather volume greater than 92 cm³,     preferably greater than 95 cm³, and more preferably greater than 100     cm³. -   G. The method according to Paragraphs A-F, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a viscosity from about 1 cP to about 60 cP,     preferably from about 2 cP to about 55 cP, more preferably from     about 3 cP to about 50 cP, and even more preferably from about 4 cP     to about 45 cP. -   H. The method according to Paragraphs A-G, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a viscosity from about 5 cP to about 40 cP,     and preferably from about 6 cP to about 30 cP. -   I. The method according to Paragraphs A-H, wherein the personal care     composition comprises a viscosity less than 57 cP, preferably less     than 50 cP, more preferably less than 40 cP, and even more     preferably less than 30 cP. -   J. The method according to Paragraphs A-I, wherein the dosage of     foam comprises a bubble size distribution comprising an R₃₂ of from     about 5 μm to about 100 μm, preferably from about 10 μm to about 60     μm, more preferably from about 20 μm to about 50 μm, and even more     preferably from about 25 μm to about 40 μm. -   K. The method according to Paragraphs A-J, wherein the dosage of     foam comprises a yield point of from about 5 Pa to about 100 Pa,     preferably from about 20 Pa to about 100 Pa, more preferably from     about 25 Pa to about 100 Pa, and even more preferably from about 38     Pa to about 100 Pa. -   L. The method according to Paragraphs A-K, wherein the dosage of     foam comprises a density of from about 0.02 g/cm³ to about 0.2     g/cm³, preferably from about 0.025 g/cm³ to about 0.15 g/cm³, and     more preferably from about 0.05 g/cm³ to about 0.15 g/cm³. -   M. The method according to Paragraphs A-L, wherein the personal care     composition comprises from about 15% to about 45%, by weight,     surfactant system, preferably from about 18% to about 40%, by     weight, more preferably from about 19% to about 38%, by weight, and     even more preferably from about 20% to about 29%. -   N. The method according to Paragraphs A-M, wherein the personal care     composition comprises from about 21% to about 30%, by weight of the     composition, surfactant system. -   O. The method according to Paragraphs A-N, wherein the surfactant     system comprises from about 10% to about 35%, by weight, total     anionic surfactant, preferably from about 10% to about 30%, by     weight, more preferably from about 15% to about 28%, by weight, and     even more preferably from about 20% to about 25%. -   P. The method according to Paragraphs A-O, wherein the surfactant     system comprises from about from about 10% to about 25%, by weight,     acyl glutamate surfactant and preferably from about 15% to about     20%, by weight. -   Q. The method according to Paragraphs A-P, wherein the surfactant     system further comprises an anionic co-surfactant selected from the     group consisting of isethionates, sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates,     sulfonates, sulfoacetates, glucosides, acyl glycinates, acyl     alaninates, glucose carboxylates, amphoacetates, taurates, and     mixture thereof. -   R. The method according to Paragraph Q, wherein the surfactant     system comprises from about 0.5% to about 15%, by weight of the     composition, anionic co-surfactant, preferably from about 1% to     about 10%, by weight of the composition, more preferably from about     1% to about 7%, by weight of the composition, and even more     preferably from about 1% to about 5%, by weight of the composition. -   S. The method according to Paragraph Q-R, wherein the surfactant     system comprises a weight ratio of acyl glutamate to the one or more     co-surfactants of about 1:1 to about 7:1, preferably from about 6:5     to about 6:1, and more preferably from about 3:2 to about 3:1. -   T. The method according to Paragraphs Q-S, wherein the anionic     co-surfactant comprises sodium cocoyl isethionate. -   U. The method according to Paragraphs A-T, wherein the zwitterionic     surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocamidopropyl     betaine (CAPB), lauramidopropyl betaine (LAPB), and combinations     thereof. -   V. The method according to Paragraphs A-U, wherein the surfactant     system comprises from about from about 0.5% to about 5%, by weight     of the composition, zwitterionic surfactant, preferably from about     0.5% to about 4%, by weight of the composition, and more preferably     about 1% to about 4%, by weight of the composition. -   W. The method according to Paragraphs A-S, wherein the surfactant     system comprises less than 7%, by weight of the composition,     zwitterionic surfactant, preferably less than 6%, by weight of the     composition, more preferably less than 5%, by weight of the     composition, and even more preferably less than 4%, by weight of the     composition. -   X. The method according to Paragraphs A-W, wherein the surfactant     system comprises a weight ratio of anionic surfactant to     zwitterionic surfactant from about 3:1 to about 25:1, preferably     from about 4:1 to about 20:1, more preferably from about 6:1 to     about 15:1, and even more preferably from about 7:1 to about 12:1. -   Y. The method according to Paragraphs A-X, wherein the surfactant     system comprises a weight ratio of anionic surfactant to     zwitterionic surfactant greater than 4:1, preferably greater than     5:1, more preferably greater than 6:1, and even more preferably     greater than 8:1. -   Z. The method according to Paragraphs A-Y, wherein the method     further comprises applying to the hair a second hair care     composition. -   AA. The method according to Paragraphs A-Z, wherein the wherein the     composition further comprises from about 50% to about 95%, by weight     of the composition, liquid carrier, preferably from about 60% to     about 85%, by weight of the composition, and more preferably from     about 65% to about 80%. -   BB. The method according to Paragraphs A-AA, wherein the composition     further comprises a liquid carrier and wherein the liquid carrier     comprises water. -   CC. The method according to Paragraphs A-BB, wherein the composition     is substantially free of a viscosity reducing agent selected from     the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,     alcohols, glycerin, and combinations thereof. -   DD. The method according to Paragraphs A-CC, wherein the composition     is substantially free of a thickener selected from the group     consisting of acrylate polymers and co-polymers, xanthan gum, and     combinations thereof. -   EE. The method according to Paragraphs A-DD, wherein the composition     comprises a pH from about 2 to about 10, preferably from about 4 to     about 8, and more preferably from about from about 5 to about 7. -   FF. The method according to Paragraphs A-EE, wherein the composition     comprises a shampoo composition and the shampoo composition further     comprises a conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of     silicone conditioning agents, organic conditioning materials, and     combinations thereof. -   GG. The method according to Paragraphs A-FF, wherein the composition     comprises a shampoo composition and the shampoo composition further     comprises an anti-dandruff active selected from the group consisting     of piroctone olamine, pyridinethione salts, azoles (e.g.,     ketoconazole, econazole, and elubiol), selenium sulfide, particulate     sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, and mixtures thereof. -   HH. The method according to Paragraphs A-GG, wherein the dosage of     foam comprises a volume of from about 5 cm³ to about 150 cm³,     preferably from about 15 cm³ to about 150 cm³, and more preferably     about 30 cm³ to about 150 cm³. -   II. The method according to Paragraphs A-HH, wherein the dosage of     foam comprises a volume of from about 5 cm³ to about 90 cm³,     preferably from about 20 cm³ to about 70 cm³, and more preferably     from about 30 cm³ to about 70 cm³. -   JJ. The method according to Paragraphs A-II, wherein the surfactant     system is free of sulfate-based surfactants.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating hair or skin with a creamy foam, the method comprising: a. dispensing a personal care composition from a mechanical foam dispenser as a dosage of foam; wherein the dispenser does not contain a propellant or is substantially free of a propellant; b. applying the dosage of foam to hair or skin; c. rinsing the dosage of foam from hair or skin; wherein the personal care composition comprises: a viscosity of less than 60 cP; a lather volume greater than 77 cm³; from about 50% to about 90%, by weight of the composition, water; from about 10% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, a surfactant system wherein the surfactant system comprises: (i) from about 10% to about 30%, by weight of the composition, of an acyl glutamate; (ii) from about 0.5% to about 7%, by weight of the composition, of a zwitterionic co-surfactant; wherein the surfactant system is substantially free of sulfate-based surfactants.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanical foam dispenser is a pump foam dispenser or a squeeze foam dispenser.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal care composition comprises a lather volume from about 90 cm³ to about 183 cm³.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal care composition comprises a lather volume greater than 85 cm³.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal care composition comprises a viscosity from from about 4 cP to about 45 cP.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal care composition comprises a viscosity less than 50 cP.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the dosage of foam comprises a bubble size distribution comprising an R₃₂ of from about 5 um to about 100 um.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the dosage of foam comprises a yield point of from about 5 Pa to about 100 Pa.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the dosage of foam comprises a density of from about 0.02 g/cm³ to about 0.2 g/cm³.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal care composition comprises from about 20% to about 40%, by weight of the composition, surfactant system.
 11. The method according to of claim 1, wherein the surfactant system further comprises an anionic co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of isethionates, sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonates, sulfoacetates, glucosides, acyl glycinates, acyl alaninates, glucose carboxylates, amphoacetates, taurates, and mixture thereof.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the surfactant system comprises from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the composition, anionic co-surfactant.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the anionic co-surfactant comprises sodium cocoyl isethionate.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the zwitterionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), lauramidopropyl betaine (LAPB), and combinations thereof.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant system comprises a weight ratio of anionic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant greater than 4:1.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of a viscosity reducing agent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, alcohols, glycerin, and combinations thereof.
 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of a thickener selected from the group consisting of acrylate polymers and co-polymers, xanthan gum, and combinations thereof.
 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a shampoo composition and the shampoo composition further comprises a conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of silicone conditioning agents, organic conditioning materials, and combinations thereof.
 19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a shampoo composition and the shampoo composition further comprises an anti-dandruff active selected from the group consisting of piroctone olamine, pyridinethione salts, azoles, selenium sulfide, particulate sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, and mixtures thereof.
 20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the dosage of foam comprises a volume of from about 5 cm³ to about 150 cm³. 